If you were to describe your Christian faith, would it be best known as “Convenience Christianity,” or “Conviction Christianity?” In a nationwide survey done by the Barna Research Group, they found that 66% of adult Americans see themselves as practicing “genuine, realistic and practical” Christianity. By that they mean they practice their faith “in moderation” and not too demanding --- just enough to help them feel religious enough without feeling short of God’s standard.

To them, a good Christian is “a nice human being, a family person, religious, an exemplary citizen, a reliable employee and never have to publicly defend or represent difficult moral or social positions or even lose much sleep over their private choices as long as they mean well and generally do their best.“ In other words, they prefer a type of Christianity that is convenient, comfortable and low-risk.Anything more than that is not practical and helpful; it’s investing too much of yourself into your spiritual life. (www.pointofview.net/ site/News2?page=NewsArticle&id=9637) In Paul’s view, such a life is best described as “worldly” (I Cor. 3:1-4). Granting one is genuinely a Christian, he is “acting like mere men.” Or if he’s not yet a Christian, he is like the rich man who asked Jesus what he must do to inherit eternal life. When Jesus told him what he lacked, he went away very said because He wanted to enjoy the benefits of Christianity at his own terms (Luke 18:18-30). In 2 Timothy 2:1-26. Paul urged Timothy to be an example to those he was teaching, that is, as one “who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth” (v. 15). He raised the bar by challenging Timothy to live, work and talk like “a reliable” trustee, “a good soldier of Christ Jesus,” a “hardworking farmer,” a disciplined athlete, a tactful and wise teacher, and one whose very life speaks convincingly of the message he proclaims. No wonder, to those who would want to follow Him Jesus charged them first to learn from the builder of a tower and from a king who intends to go to war. They both must first sit down and count the cost before plunging into their undertaking (Luke 14:28-24). To Him that’s what it takes also to be a follower of Christ--nrm/01/18/2014.